Obituary: Ronald William Harrington - Class of 1955

MADISON - Ronald William Harrington, age 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. Ronald was born on June 15, 1936, in Madison, the son of John and Harriet Harrington. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1955 and later married Mariea Guzzetta on May 31, 1958, in Madison. Ronald was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Madison. He collected stamps and baseball cards, and loved playing fast pitch softball. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends, and attending his grandchildren's events or school activities. Ronald worked for more than 37 years for the University of Wisconsin Physics Department prior to his retirement in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Mariea (Guzzetta) Harrington; three sons, Bill (Lisa) Harrington, Dan (Kelli) Harrington and Mark (Kathy) Harrington; seven grandchildren, Michael, Mariel, Zachary, Jackie, Samantha, Kaitlyn and Danny; six siblings, Regina (James) Emerson of Oshkosh, James (Lu Ann) Harrington of Beloit, Barbara (William) Miller of DeForest, Richard Harrington of Wautoma, Susan (James) Clifcorn of Madison, and Julie Washa (Gary Morgan) of North Freedom; his friends, Jack (Carol) Marshall and Sam (Bev) DiMaggio; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Harriet) Harrington; his sister, Geraldine (David) Eagen; a brother, Jack Harrington; two nephews, Stephen Emerson and Timothy Harrington; a nephew-in-law, James Guzzetta; and special friends, Gordie (Bonnie) Hocking. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, on Friday, March 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. Monsignor Tom Baxter will celebrate. A visitation will also be held at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will conclude at the Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the St. James Catholic School, 1204 St. James Court, Madison. Dad will be missed by all of us. We love you Papa. Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 5701 Odana Road (608) 274-1000

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 5, 2009